Debit and credit card fraud cases skyrocket

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TRI-CITIES, Wash. -- It started with one of your Facebook tips. Telling us that you've become a victim of credit and debit card fraud. KEPR looked into the problem and learned there is a common denominator.

Caren Heinze has been a victim of debit card fraud three times in the last week.

"I was sitting at the computer and I got a phone call and it said 'Chase Fraud' and I kinda went, hmm."

One of them was an overseas charge. The other two in Ohio - totaling over $500.

"She said, well it was in Ohio, and I said, well I'm standing here in Washing State!"

And she's not alone. Dozens of you told KEPR, the same is happening to you.

"There has been an increase in both debit and credit card fraud," said Assistant VP of Marketing at Gesa Credit Union, Brian Griffith.

Brian says people use their cards more around the holidays, creating more opportunity for fraudsters. He also says the recent super-typhoon in the Philippines is a major contributor.

"Fraudsters are opportunistic, they look for any opportunity to capture other peoples info even if that's a tragedy or a holiday."

Now many of you had told us you had charges for gas show up on your statement, but it wasn't you. The pump is an easy place for fraudsters to slide your card without any extra verification.

Caren says it's frustrating how hard she works each and every day for her money, only for this to happen to her.

"Someone is just sliding your card, having a good time and ya know they're eating lunch and fillin up their gas tank, buyin their steaks for dinner that night, and you're eatin a bowl of cereal."

All with the same money - hers! This year, Caren says she will be hesitant to online shop. All the buzz making her think twice.

If you feel you've become a victim of fraud, call your bank immediately. You should be able to get back any money lost.

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